indoor air quality assessment - mass.gov€¦ · indoor air quality assessment ... it was reported...

INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Burlington Town Hall Annex 25 Center Street

Burlington, Massachusetts

Prepared by: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Bureau of Environmental Health Indoor Air Quality Program

April 2014

2

Background/Introduction

In response to concerns associated with indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, the

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Bureau of Environmental Health (BEH)

conducted an IAQ assessment at the Burlington Town Hall Annex (BTA), located at 25 Center

Street, Burlington, Massachusetts. The assessment was done at the request of Ms. Joanne Faust,

Human Resources Director for the Town of Burlington. On October 29, 2013, Michael Feeney,

Director of BEH’s IAQ program visited the building to conduct an IAQ assessment. He was

accompanied by Ruth Alfasso, Environmental Engineer/Inspector for BEH’s IAQ Program.

The BTA is a two-story building with basement, originally built as a police station and

later used as a library. Approximately thirty years ago, a second story was added to the building.

The BTA is a wood-framed structure with brick façade and a partially flat, rubber roof with a

complex, shingled-sloped portion and a central skylight. Most areas are carpeted. The majority

of windows in the building are openable.

Methods

Air tests for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity were

conducted with the TSI, Q-Trak, IAQ Monitor, Model 7565. Air tests for airborne particle

matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers were taken with the TSI, DUSTTRAK™

Aerosol Monitor Model 8520. BEH/IAQ staff also performed visual inspection of building

materials for water damage and/or microbial growth.

3

Results

Approximately 30 currently people work in the BTA and provide a range of services to

the public. The building is also used for public meetings. Tests were taken during normal

operations and results appear in Table 1.

Discussion

Ventilation

It can be seen from Table 1 that carbon dioxide levels were below 800 parts per million

(ppm) in all but two areas surveyed (i.e., the conference and photocopy room), indicating

adequate air exchange for most areas at the time of assessment (Table 1). The heating,

ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system consists of air-handling units (AHU) located in

the basement and attic. Fresh air for basement HVAC units comes from intake vents at ground

level (Picture 1). Conditioned air is distributed to variable air volume (VAV) boxes, which

further adjusts the temperature of the air and distributes it to ceiling-mounted air diffusers

(Picture 2). Exhaust air is drawn through ceiling-mounted return vents and ducted back to AHUs

(Picture 3).

The HVAC system is controlled by rotary thermostats. Each thermostat examined had a

fan switch with two settings, on and auto. When the fan is set to on, the system provides a

continuous source of air circulation and filtration. The automatic setting on the thermostat

activates the HVAC system at a preset temperature. Once the preset temperature is reached, the

HVAC system is deactivated. Therefore, no mechanical ventilation is provided until the

4

thermostat re-activates the system. The MDPH recommends that thermostats be set to the fan on

setting during occupied hours to provide continuous air circulation.

To maximize air exchange, the MDPH recommends that both supply and exhaust

ventilation operate continuously during periods of occupancy. In order to have proper

ventilation with a mechanical supply and exhaust system, the systems must be balanced to

provide an adequate amount of fresh air to the interior of a room while removing stale air from

the room. It is recommended that HVAC systems be re-balanced every five years to ensure

adequate air systems function (SMACNA, 1994). The date of last balancing was not available at

the time of the assessment.

Minimum design ventilation rates are mandated by the Massachusetts State Building

Code (MSBC). Until 2011, the minimum ventilation rate in Massachusetts was higher for both

occupied office spaces and general classrooms, with similar requirements for other occupied

spaces (BOCA, 1993). The current version of the MSBC, promulgated in 2011 by the State

Board of Building Regulations and Standards (SBBRS), adopted the 2009 International

Mechanical Code (IMC) to set minimum ventilation rates. Please note that the MSBC is a

minimum standard that is not health-based. At lower rates of cubic feet per minute (cfm) per

occupant of fresh air, carbon dioxide levels would be expected to rise significantly. A

ventilation rate of 20 cfm per occupant of fresh air provides optimal air exchange resulting in

carbon dioxide levels at or below 800 ppm in the indoor environment in each area measured.

MDPH recommends that carbon dioxide levels be maintained at 800 ppm or below. This is

because most environmental and occupational health scientists involved with research on IAQ

and health effects have documented significant increases in indoor air quality complaints and/or

health effects when carbon dioxide levels rise above the MDPH guidelines of 800 ppm for

5

schools, office buildings and other occupied spaces (Sundell et al., 2011). The ventilation must

be on at all times that the room is occupied. Providing adequate fresh air ventilation with open

windows and maintaining the temperature in the comfort range during the cold weather season is

impractical. Mechanical ventilation is usually required to provide adequate fresh air ventilation.

Carbon dioxide is not a problem in and of itself. It is used as an indicator of the adequacy

of the fresh air ventilation. As carbon dioxide levels rise, it indicates that the ventilating system

is malfunctioning or the design occupancy of the room is being exceeded. When this happens, a

buildup of common indoor air pollutants can occur, leading to discomfort or health complaints.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for carbon dioxide is

5,000 parts per million parts of air (ppm). Workers may be exposed to this level for 40

hours/week, based on a time-weighted average (OSHA, 1997).

The MDPH uses a guideline of 800 ppm for publicly occupied buildings. A guideline of

600 ppm or less is preferred in schools due to the fact that the majority of occupants are young

and considered to be a more sensitive population in the evaluation of environmental health

status. Inadequate ventilation and/or elevated temperatures are major causes of complaints such

as respiratory, eye, nose and throat irritation, lethargy and headaches. For more information

concerning carbon dioxide, please see Appendix A.

Temperatures in occupied areas ranged from 68º F to 75º F, which were within or close to

the MDPH recommended comfort guidelines. The MDPH recommends that indoor air

temperatures be maintained in a range of 70º F to 78º F in order to provide for the comfort of

building occupants. In many cases concerning indoor air quality, fluctuations of temperature in

occupied spaces are typically experienced, even in a building with an adequate fresh air supply.

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/environmental/iaq/appendices/carbon-dioxide.pdf

6

The relative humidity ranged from 18 to 34 percent, which was below the MDPH

recommended comfort range in all areas surveyed. The MDPH recommends a comfort range of

40 to 60 percent for indoor air relative humidity. The sensation of dryness and irritation is

common in a low relative humidity environment. Low relative humidity is a very common

problem during the heating season in the northeast part of the United States.

It was noted that the building had humidifier units located on walls of several offices and

common areas (Pictures 4 and 5). It was reported that these units were installed in the 1990s, but

had been deactivated with the water service to each unit shut off. The reasons for installing these

units were reportedly to improve the functioning of copy machines, which had been known to

experience paper jams during periods of low relative humidity, as well as to improve occupant

comfort. The humidifying machines had reportedly been deactivated because of the expenses

associated with maintenance and repair; in addition, newer copy machines are more tolerant of

dry conditions. MDPH/BEH does not recommend the use of humidifying devices in office

spaces.

Microbial/Moisture Concerns

In order for building materials to support mold growth, a source of water exposure is

necessary. Water-damaged ceiling tiles were seen in a few areas on the upper floors, indicating

leaks from the roof or plumbing system. In the basement, there was evidence of water damage

from windows which are partially below-grade. Window wells are installed to create a catch

basin for water during precipitation events rather than draining water away (Picture 6), which

can lead to leaks inside the building. The basement area also is carpeted in many areas.

Carpeting is not recommended for below-grade areas due to the potential for moistening through

leaks and condensation.

7

BEH/IAQ staff examined the outside perimeter of the building to identify breaches in the

building envelope and/or other conditions that could provide a source of water penetration.

Downspouts were observed to drain only a short way from the building (Picture 7). If

downspouts are not configured to drain correctly, water from the roof may be directed to the

walls/foundation. Plants were also observed to be growing in close proximity to the building

where roots can penetrate the foundation and foliage may hold moisture against the building.

These conditions can undermine the integrity of the building envelope and provide a means of

water entry by capillary action into the building through exterior walls, foundation concrete and

masonry (Lstiburek & Brennan, 2001).

During an examination of the attic area, one of the VAV boxes was inspected. VAV

boxes at the BTA are equipped with a drip pan that is designed to collect condensate from the

HVAC system when in cooling mode. It was reported that VAV box drip pans use sponges to

absorb water; this is not an optimal method of moisture control. Drip pans should be designed to

collect and drain moisture to a properly-designed condensate drainage system. The drip pan

examined had accumulated mineral deposits (Picture 8), suggesting that a significant amount of

water builds up inside during the cooling season. Collected condensate can be a source of leaks,

microbial contamination and odors. It appeared that in an attempt to prevent microbial

contamination, treatment tablets containing ammonium chloride are used in the drip pan

(Pictures 8 and 9). These tablets can release ammonia, which can be a respiratory irritant and

should not be used in this manner; properly draining drip pans prevent the need for any

condensate treatment.

Additionally, the VAV box examined had two plastic tubes coming off what appeared to

be the coolant line (Picture 10). The ends of these tubes were found to contain water (Picture

8

11). The tubes are likely designed to relieve excess pressure in coolant lines; however they

should also be directed to a proper condensate/coolant drain rather than being allowed to drain

onto the floor. If other VAV boxes are similar to the one observed, they may be significant

sources of moisture/leaks to the interior of the building.

Plants were noted in some areas (Table 1). Plants can be a source of pollen and mold

which can be respiratory irritants to some individuals. Plants should be properly maintained and

equipped with drip pans and should be located away from ventilation sources to prevent

aerosolization and distribution of dirt, pollen or mold.

Water dispensers and refrigerators were observed to be located in carpeted areas (Picture

12). Spills or leaks from these appliances can moisten carpeting. Water-dispensing and other

appliances should be located in an area with non-porous flooring or on a waterproof mat.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the American Conference of

Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommend that porous materials (e.g., ceiling

tiles, carpeting) be dried with fans and heating within 24 to 48 hours of becoming wet (US EPA,

2001; ACGIH, 1989). If not dried within this time frame, mold growth may occur. Once mold

has colonized porous materials, they are difficult to clean and should be removed/discarded.

Other IAQ Evaluations

Indoor air quality can be negatively influenced by the presence of respiratory irritants,

such as products of combustion. The process of combustion produces a number of pollutants.

Common combustion emissions include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor and

smoke (fine airborne particle material). Of these materials, exposure to carbon monoxide can

produce immediate, acute health effects upon exposure. To determine whether combustion

9

products were present in the building environment, BEH/IAQ staff obtained measurements for

carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion of organic matter (e.g.,

gasoline, wood and tobacco). Exposure to carbon monoxide can produce immediate and acute

health effects. Several air quality standards have been established to address carbon monoxide

and prevent symptoms from exposure to these substances. The MDPH established a corrective

action level concerning carbon monoxide in ice skating rinks that use fossil-fueled ice

resurfacing equipment. If an operator of an indoor ice rink measures a carbon monoxide level

over 30 ppm, taken 20 minutes after resurfacing within a rink, that operator must take actions to

reduce carbon monoxide levels (MDPH, 1997).

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE) has adopted the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as one set of

criteria for assessing indoor air quality and monitoring of fresh air introduced by HVAC systems

(ASHRAE, 1989). The NAAQS are standards established by the US EPA to protect the public

health from six criteria pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter (US EPA,

2006). As recommended by ASHRAE, pollutant levels of fresh air introduced to a building

should not exceed the NAAQS levels (ASHRAE, 1989). The NAAQS were adopted by

reference in the Building Officials & Code Administrators (BOCA) National Mechanical Code

of 1993 (BOCA, 1993), which is now an HVAC standard included in the Massachusetts State

Building Code (SBBRS, 2011). According to the NAAQS, carbon monoxide levels in outdoor

air should not exceed 9 ppm in an eight-hour average (US EPA, 2006).

10

Carbon monoxide should not be present in a typical, indoor environment. If it is present,

indoor carbon monoxide levels should be less than or equal to outdoor levels. On the day of the

assessment, outdoor carbon monoxide concentrations were non-detect (ND) (Table 1). No

measureable levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the building during the assessment

(Table 1).

Particulate Matter

The US EPA has established NAAQS limits for exposure to particulate matter.

Particulate matter includes airborne solids, which can result in eye and respiratory irritation if

exposure occurs. The NAAQS originally established exposure limits to particulate matter with a

diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10). According to the NAAQS, PM10 levels should not exceed

150 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) in a 24-hour average (US EPA, 2006). These standards

were adopted by both ASHRAE and BOCA. Since the issuance of the ASHRAE standard and

BOCA Code, US EPA established a more protective standard for fine airborne particles. This

more stringent PM2.5 standard requires outdoor air particle levels be maintained below 35 μg/m3

over a 24-hour average (US EPA, 2006). Although both the ASHRAE standard and BOCA

Code adopted the PM10 standard for evaluating air quality, MDPH uses the more protective

PM2.5 standard for evaluating airborne particulate matter concentrations in the indoor

environment.

Outdoor PM2.5 was measured at 10 μg/m3 (Table 1). Indoor PM2.5 levels ranged from 4

to 10 μg/m3 (Table 1). Both indoor and outdoor PM 2.5 levels were below the NAAQS PM2.5

level of 35 μg/m3. Frequently, indoor air levels of particulates (including PM2.5) can be at

higher levels than those measured outdoors. A number of mechanical devices and/or activities

that occur indoors can generate particulate matter during normal operations. Sources of indoor

11

airborne particulates may include but are not limited to particles generated during the operation

of fan belts in the HVAC system, use of stoves and/or microwave ovens in kitchen areas; use of

photocopiers, fax machines and computer printing devices; operation of an ordinary vacuum

cleaner and heavy foot traffic indoors.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Indoor air concentrations can be greatly impacted by the use of products containing

volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon-containing substances that have the

ability to evaporate at room temperature. Frequently, exposure to low levels of total VOCs

(TVOCs) may produce eye, nose, throat and/or respiratory irritation in some sensitive

individuals. For example, chemicals evaporating from a paint can stored at room temperature

would most likely contain VOCs. In an effort to identify materials that can potentially increase

indoor VOC concentrations, BEH/IAQ staff examined rooms for products containing these

respiratory irritants.

Some offices and areas contained dry erase boards and related materials (Table 1).

Materials such as dry erase markers and dry erase board cleaners may contain VOCs, such as

methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl acetate and butyl-cellusolve (Sanford, 1999), which can be

irritating to the eyes, nose and throat.

Air fresheners were observed in restrooms and other areas (Table 1). Air fresheners

contain chemicals that can be irritating to the eyes, nose and throat of sensitive individuals.

Many air fresheners contain 1,4-dichlorobenzene, a VOC which may cause reductions in lung

function (NIH, 2006). Furthermore, deodorizing agents do not remove materials causing odors,

but rather mask odors that may be present in the area.

12

Paints were stored in the Engineering area (Table 1, Picture 13). Opened cans of paint

may evaporate during storage; partially used cans should be stored away from occupied areas.

Other Conditions

Other conditions that can affect IAQ were observed during the assessment. Gasoline-like

odors were reported to occur at times on the second floor of the BTA corresponding to filling

and maintenance at gasoline pumps/tanks located to the northwest of the building (Picture 14).

The roof has a large candy-cane style vent (Picture 14) that serves as a pressurization relief vent

for the elevator shaft, which may be drawing in vapors from the tanks when they are in use or

being filled, particularly under northwesterly wind conditions. Vapors and odors can then be

distributed throughout the building by the piston-like action of the elevator. It is recommended

that the elevator vent be rotated 180º to have its opening facing away from the gas pumps to

minimize gasoline vapor entrainment.

The building appears to have two furnaces. One furnace is located in the basement along

with a gas-fired water heater (Picture 15). The exhaust vents for these units are located along the

foundation in the southwest corner of the building (Pictures 1 and 16). These vents are directly

adjacent to the fresh air intake for the building (Picture 1) and directly below a vent/wall

penetration of unknown function (Picture 16). Because of the location of these vents and the fact

that windows in this building are not completely airtight, exhaust from the furnaces may be able

to penetrate into the second floor of building during the heating season.

The second furnace, located in the attic area, was examined (Pictures 17 and 18). During

the course of the assessment, BEH/IAQ staff detected natural gas and combustion odors in the

attic space, which did not appear to impact office space. However, the conditions noted in the

attic pose a number of potential issues:

13

The roof of the attic is wooden-framed. Sprinklers are installed in the attic, however the

space above or near the furnace does not have any sprinkler heads. The existence of this

equipment along with the lack of sprinklers poses a fire risk.

None of the Burlington town officials in the building or on-site at the time of the

assessment were aware of the existence of this equipment. This suggests that the furnace

may not be regularly serviced/properly maintained.

The notation “belts 10/24/05” was hand-written on the cabinet suggesting that 2005 was

the most recent time the belts were changed (Picture 19). This suggests that regular

maintenance on this equipment is not occurring.

The furnace was found to be equipped with air filters, but the configuration requires that

the filters to be bent/folded to be inserted into the unit. Air filters in HVAC equipment

should be changed at a minimum twice a year; these filters appeared to not have been

changed in some time.

Because of the inaccessibility of the air filters, gaps were observed around where the

filters should be installed (Picture 20). This will allow air from the attic to be drawn into

the unit, unfiltered, which may include dust and debris, which is then distributed to

portions of the building served by this HVAC equipment.

The attic furnace/HVAC equipment needs to be thoroughly evaluated as to function,

connection, and service history. If this unit is needed, modifications are required to ensure that it

can function safely and effectively, including installation of effective sprinklers overhead. In

addition, rearrangement of items in the attic should be conducted such that the filters, belts and

other areas are accessible for regular maintenance.

14

The filters for the ducted HVAC system appear designed to be installed on return vents

inside the grill. Although a few of them were observed with filters installed (Picture 21), most of

these grilles did not have filters (Picture 3). Without the designed filtration, dusts and debris

from inside the BTA are collected and redistributed throughout the building.

In a number of areas, items were observed on the floor, windowsills, tabletops, counters,

bookcases and desks. The large number of items stored provides a source for dusts to

accumulate. These items (e.g., papers, folders, boxes) make it difficult for custodial staff to

clean. Items should be relocated and/or be cleaned periodically to avoid excessive dust build up.

In addition, these materials can accumulate on flat surfaces (e.g., desktops, windowsills and

carpets) in occupied areas and subsequently be re-aerosolized causing further irritation.

Many areas of the building contain wall to wall carpeting. It was unclear if a regular

carpet cleaning program was in place. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification (IICRC), recommends that carpeting be cleaned annually (or semi-annually in

soiled high traffic areas) (IICRC, 2005).

Conclusions/Recommendations

Based on observations made during the assessment, a number of issues related to the

heating system and products of combustion exist in the building, in addition to general IAQ

conditions noted. Therefore the following recommendations are made to improve indoor

environmental conditions:

1. Ensure that the exhaust vent for the attic furnace is free of holes to vent products of

combustion completely outdoors.

2. Render the windows above the basement furnace vents airtight.

15

3. Extend the basement furnace exhaust vents to a sufficient height above the roof-line and

HVAC/elevator intakes. Determine the use of the vent shown in Picture 16 and seal if

not needed.

4. Consult with an elevator/ventilation engineer relative to reducing the size of the elevator

make-up air vent (“candy-cane style” vent) and changing the direction of the open end to

reduce the chance for entraining odors/vapors from the fueling area located outside. This

may additionally make more space for accessing the HVAC system in the attic.

5. Accessibility to the attic furnace needs to be improved. Reducing the diameter of the

elevator shaft air vent will allow more space around the HVAC unit for accessibility.

6. Determine if the furnace in the attic is required. If it is, have the unit thoroughly serviced

and regularly maintained, including changing of filters at least twice a year.

7. Add/replace sprinkler heads over the attic furnace and ensure they are functional.

8. Given the inherent danger of a gas-fired furnace beneath a wood roof, conversion of this

unit from gas to electric power is advisable.

9. Examine VAV boxes throughout the building for proper drainage from condensate drain

pans and overflow tubing. Repair/reconfigure as necessary to provide drainage. Do not

use water treatment chemicals in condensate drain pans, but have the pans cleaned

periodically to prevent build-up of minerals and other materials.

10. Operate the HVAC system continuously in the fan “on” mode during periods of

occupancy to maximize air circulation and filtration.

11. For buildings in New England, periods of low relative humidity during the winter are

often unavoidable. Therefore, scrupulous cleaning practices should be adopted to

minimize common indoor air contaminants whose irritant effects can be enhanced when

16

the relative humidity is low. To control for dusts, a high efficiency particulate arrestance

(HEPA) filter equipped vacuum cleaner in conjunction with wet wiping of all surfaces is

recommended. Avoid the use of feather dusters. Drinking water during the day can help

ease some symptoms associated with a dry environment (throat and sinus irritations).

12. Ensure that all water service to the disused humidifier units is cut and capped to prevent

leaks. Consider having these units properly removed.

13. Repair/reconfigure basement window wells so that water drains away from windows

rather than accumulating.

14. Remove/replace water-damaged ceiling tiles. Examine the area above and around these

areas for mold growth. Disinfect areas of water leaks with an appropriate antimicrobial.

15. Consider use of non-porous flooring in basement areas.

16. Ensure downspouts drain at least five feet away from the outside of the building.

17. Trim/remove shrubbery and other plants from the perimeter of the building.

18. Prevent water damage by using drip pans for plants and cleaning them regularly.

19. Consider outfitting water dispensers and refrigerators with a rubber/plastic mat to prevent

water damage to carpeting.

20. Store opened cans of paint and other VOC sources away from occupied areas.

21. Avoid the use of air fresheners and scented products.

22. Replace all filters on exhaust/return vents. Ensure they are changed at least twice a year

or as per the manufacture’s instructions.

23. Relocate or consider reducing the amount of stored materials to allow for more thorough

cleaning. Clean items regularly with a wet cloth or sponge to prevent excessive dust

build-up.

17

24. Consider consolidating areas where food is stored and heated, and locate them near an

exhaust vent to draw particulates and odors away from occupants.

25. Clean carpeting annually or semi-annually in soiled high traffic areas as per the

recommendations of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

(IICRC). Copies of the IICRC fact sheet can be downloaded at:

http://1.cleancareseminars.net/?page_id=185 (IICRC, 2005).

26. Refer to resource manuals and other related indoor air quality documents for further

building-wide evaluations and advice on maintaining public buildings. Copies of these

materials are located on the MDPH’s website: http://mass.gov/dph/iaq.

18

References ACGIH. 1989. Guidelines for the Assessment of Bioaerosols in the Indoor Environment. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH.

ASHRAE. 1989. Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. ANSI/ASHRAE 62-1989

BOCA. 1993. The BOCA National Mechanical Code-1993. 8th ed. Building Officials & Code Administrators International, Inc., Country Club Hills, IL.

IICRC. 2005. Carpet Cleaning FAQ 4 Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, Vancouver, WA.

Lstiburek, J. & Brennan, T. 2001. Read This Before You Design, Build or Renovate. Building Science Corporation, Westford, MA. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Region I, Boston, MA

MDPH. 1997. Requirements to Maintain Air Quality in Indoor Skating Rinks (State Sanitary Code, Chapter XI). 105 CMR 675.000. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA.

NIH. 2006. Chemical in Many Air Fresheners May Reduce Lung Function. NIH News. National Institute of Health. July 27, 2006. http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jul2006/niehs-27.htm

OSHA. 1997. Limits for Air Contaminants. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Code of Federal Regulations. 29 C.F.R 1910.1000 Table Z-1-A.

Sanford. 1999. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS No: 198-17). Expo Dry Erase Markers Bullet, Chisel, and Ultra Fine Tip. Sanford Corporation. Bellwood, IL.

SBBRS. 2011. Mechanical Ventilation. State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 8th edition. 780 CMR 1209.0.

SMACNA. 1994. HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual. 1st ed. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, Inc., Chantilly, VA.

Sundell. 2011. Sundell, J., H. Levin, W. W. Nazaroff, W. S. Cain, W. J. Fisk, D. T. Grimsrud, F. Gyntelberg, Y. Li, A. K. Persily, A. C. Pickering, J. M. Samet, J. D. Spengler, S. T. Taylor, and C. J. Weschler. Ventilation rates and health: multidisciplinary review of the scientific literature. Indoor Air, Volume 21: pp 191–204.

US EPA. 2001. “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”. Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division, Washington, DC. EPA 402-K-01-001. March 2001. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html

US EPA. 2006. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Washington, DC. http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html

Picture 1

Fresh air vent for basement HVAC units (arrow). Note HVAC exhaust vents (white pipes) to the left

Picture 2

Fresh air diffuser

Picture 3

Exhaust vent, note open channel to exhaust ducting

•

Picture 4

Humidifying unit

Window well from inside the basement, note corrugated metal basin that is reported to fill with water, and water-damaged sill

Picture 6

Picture 5

Inside view of humidifying unit

Picture 7

Gutter downspout emptying close

to the building

Picture 8

Interior of VAV box showing drain pan with mineral deposits and treatment tablet (arrow)

Picture 9

Close-up of drain pan treatment tablet showing list of ingredients Picture 10

Plastic blow-off hoses from coolant system in VAV box

Picture 11

Liquid in end of blow-off hose Picture 12

Refrigerator on carpet

Picture 13

Paint storage Picture 14

Gasoline pumps (arrow) and large “candy cane” vent (foreground, left)

Picture 15

Heating units in basement (note exhaust piping) Picture 16

Exhaust from heating units in basement directly up against wall, note unknown vent partway up wall (arrow)

Picture 17

Side view of HVAC equipment in attic; note elevator shaft vent on left side of picture (arrow)

Picture 18

Gas connection notice on HVAC equipment found in attic

Picture 19

Notice on HVAC duct in attic which may indicate last time belts were changed/other service performed (10/24/05)

Picture 20

Filters improperly installed in attic HVAC unit

Picture 21

Exhaust grill with filter installed (compare with Picture 3, a similar grill without filter)

Location: Burlington Town Hall Annex Indoor Air Results

Address: 25 Center Street, Burlington, MA Table 1 Date: 10/29/2013

Carbon Carbon Relative Ventilation

Remarks Location/ Room Dioxide (ppm)

Monoxide (ppm)

Temp (°F)

Humidity %

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

OccupantsIn Room

Windows Openable Supply Exhaust

Background 441 ND 55 23 10

Sunny, brisk

Second floor

Conference room 1294 ND 68 34 4 4 Y Y Y DEM

Photocopy area 924 ND 72 24 6 2 N Y Y Large printer

Director’s Office 659 ND 73 21 4 1 Y Y Y DO

Engineering section, front

742 ND 73 20 5 0 Y Y Y Items/paper

Engineering section, middle

622 ND 73 20 5 0 Y Y Y Items, water-stained carpet

Engineering section, rear

599 ND 73 21 6 1 Y Y Y DEM

Engineering main 656 ND 73 20 5 1 N Y Y

DPW administration 612 ND 73 19 5 0 Y Y Y Heater, plants, food

ppm = parts per million

µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

CP = cleaning products

CT = ceiling tile

DO = door open

MT = missing tile

PC = photocopier

PF = personal fan

AF = air freshener DEM = dry erase materials ND = non detect WD = water-damaged

Comfort Guidelines Carbon Dioxide:

< 600 ppm = preferred 600 - 800 ppm = acceptable > 800 ppm = indicative of ventilation problems

Temperature: Relative Humidity: Particle matter 2.5

70 - 78 °F 40 - 60%

3< 35 ug/m

Table 1, page 1





Monoxide (ppm)

Temp (°F)

Humidity %

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

OccupantsIn Room


DPW director 615 ND 73 20 5 2 Y Y Y Plants, DO

DPW cubes 602 ND 73 20 5 2 Y Y Y Items, plants, food, PC

DPW central area 570 ND 73 19 6 1 N Y Y PF

Storage/breakroom 475 ND 72 18 5 0 Y Y Y Coffeemaker, microwave, food, water dispenser on carpet

Ladies room Switch-operated exhaust AF, CP

(operational),

Plan room 537 ND 71 18 5 0 Y Y Y PC, WD-CT, access to attic area, files/papers

Engineering 573 ND 71 19 5 0 Y Y Y Paint storage, door to outside (weather-stripping ok)

Lisck office 542 ND 72 20 5 0 N Y Y Hand sanitizer

First Floor

Conservation department front

612 ND 73 20 6 1 N Y Y




CT = ceiling tile

DO = door open

MT = missing tile

PC = photocopier

PF = personal fan

AF = air freshener DEM = dry erase materials ND = non detect WD = water-damaged Comfort Guidelines

Carbon Dioxide:



70 - 78 °F 40 - 60%

3< 35 ug/m

Table 1, page 2





Monoxide (ppm)

Temp (°F)

Humidity %

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

OccupantsIn Room


Conservation storage

MT

Conservation (Judi) 722 ND 74 20 6 1 Y Y Y Plants

Conservation Director’s Office

622 ND 75 20 5 1 Y Y Y Plants, coffee pot

Building Inspector 709 ND 74 21 6 1 Y Y Y Items, DO

Wiring Inspector Office

700 ND 75 21 6 0 Y Y Y Paper

Inspectional services cubes

722 ND 75 20 6 2 N Y Y Plants

Building inspection offices

724 ND 75 20 6 1 Y Y Y Diorama, DEM

Storage/break 697 ND 75 20 5 0 N Y N DO, food, microwave, toaster

Planning area 699 ND 75 19 5 0 N Y N Food, fridge on carpet, microwave

Planning reception 760 ND 75 19 5 1 N Y Y Water dispenser on carpet




CT = ceiling tile

DO = door open

MT = missing tile

PC = photocopier

PF = personal fan

AF = air freshener DEM = dry erase materials ND = non detect WD = water-damaged Comfort Guidelines

Carbon Dioxide:



70 - 78 °F 40 - 60%

3< 35 ug/m

Table 1, page 3





Monoxide (ppm)

Temp (°F)

Humidity %

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

OccupantsIn Room


Planning Department

796 ND 75 20 5 2 Y Y Y

First floor ladies Switch-activated exhaust

Basement

Jim Round’s office 553 ND 73 20 5 1 N Y Y Water issues reported in this room in winter from the windows, WD ceiling tiles, walls

IT office 488 ND 73 20 5 1 N Y Y DO, DEM, disconnected reported

downspout

Meeting room 479 ND 73 20 10 0 N Y Y Drinking fountain on carpet outside this room.



AF = air freshener Comfort Guidelines


CT = ceiling tile

DEM = dry erase materials

DO = door open

MT = missing tile

ND = non detect

PC = photocopier

PF = personal fan

WD = water-damaged

Carbon Dioxide:



70 - 78 °F 40 - 60%

3< 35 ug/m

Table 1, page 4

indoor air quality assessment - mass.gov€¦ · indoor air quality assessment ... it was reported...

Documents